The parade starts at 6:10 p.m. on Uptown Boulevard. Santa Claus will light the Christmas tree with its 500 branches and 25,000 lights at 6:30 p.m.

There are 15 entries in the 2017 parade that include some familiar faces like Santa Claus, The Grinch, The Disney Princesses and Harvey the HarbourCat.

Entertainers include Karen Clarke Dancers, O’Brien School of Dancers and a roving group of nutcrackers and stilt walkers. Saanich Police and Fire Departments will also participate alongside a number of local businesses and charities.

Uptown Boulevard will be closed for the event from noon on Saturday and will remain car-free for the entire evening while visitors enjoy the holiday events and shopping.

Visitors are encouraged to bring new coats, scarves, mittens and hats for The Mustard Seed food bank. They will be collected at a kiosk next to the tree in Town Plaza.